Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8561617B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/566
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.